Zman – Bay, fields and cultural heritage

Žman combines a distinctive landscape with an agricultural character and a long history. The bay, surrounding hills, fertile fields and historic sites offer different starting points for planning your trip. Locally produced wine, cheese and olive oil are also part of what Žman is known for.

Landscape and agriculture

Žman lies in Žmančica Bay and is surrounded by the hills of Gračine, Veliki Slotnjak and Mali Slotnjak. The fertile fields around Malo jezero and Veliko jezero shape the agricultural landscape. In addition to the bay and the named hills, the fields are also a distinct feature of the scenery. If you choose a destination based on its landscape, you can consider both its geographical names and its agricultural character here.

Church, archaeology and local produce

Žman’s history includes the 13th-century parish church of St John and nearby prehistoric archaeological sites. The history of the area thus ranges from prehistoric sites to a church dating back to the Middle Ages. These are two distinct aspects of the place for anyone interested in history: its ecclesiastical architecture and archaeological traces of an earlier period.

The local produce also reflects the community’s agricultural character. Visitors may come across locally produced wine, cheese and olive oil. What is available during a particular visit may vary. The fields and produce tell the story of Žman’s farming community in different ways: as part of the landscape, and through products visitors may encounter.

Općina Sali: nature and cultural heritage

The wider destination of Općina Sali offers other landscapes and protected areas to explore. Telašćica Bay was declared a nature park in 1988. The nature park includes sheltered beaches and steep cliffs. Saljsko polje was protected as a special botanical reserve in 1969; olive trees there are up to 700 years old. Sali is the settlement closest to Telašćica Nature Park. Together, these details show how the nature park, protected area and ancient olive trees make up different aspects of the landscape in Općina Sali.

Sali also has its own historic landmarks. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a monumental wooden high altar dating from the 17th century. The Church of St John in Sali, in Stivanje polje, is first mentioned in written records in 1064 or 1065. Comparing it with Žman also makes clear that the 13th-century parish church of St John and the church in Sali, first mentioned in the 11th century, refer to different places and historical details.

Saljske užance is a three-day local festival in Sali that has been held for more than 50 years. During the festival, Tovareća mužika parades through the entire village, stopping at several places to perform. Various drums and old iron irons filled with pebbles are used as percussion instruments. The Budnica is associated with a performance on Sunday morning during Saljske užance. Parades and rhythm thus take centre stage at this festival, alongside the churches and archaeological sites as another cultural facet.

For a cycling trip in Općina Sali, cycle route No. 13 is listed as 7.9 km long. It runs from Sali via Vela Ploča and Čuh Polje to Dugonjive and Mala Proversa. Check the route conditions locally before planning your ride.

Discover more destinations: Savar, Bozava, Luka, Veli Rat, Zapuntel, Dragove, Soline, Brbinj.

For the wider travel overview: Općina Sali.